Pickling Eggs (2024)

Table of Contents
Feedback Form Feedback Form FAQs

Provide Feedback

Pickling Eggs (1)

Do you have extra eggs? Try pickling them! Pickled eggs are delicious as a main course, an addition to a salad or as a snack or appetizer.

Unfortunately, there are no research supported home canning processes for pickled eggs. The information and recipe provided here are all meant for the pickled eggs to be stored in the refrigerator. Another option for keeping eggs for a longer period would be to freeze eggs.

What are Pickled Eggs?

Pickled eggs are hard-cooked eggs that are peeled and put into a solution of vinegar, salt, spices, and other seasonings. Pickling solutions are heated to a boil, simmered for 5 minutes, and poured over the peeled eggs.

Tips for Pickling Eggs
  • Small or medium eggs are good for pickling as seasoning will more readily penetrate the egg.
  • Fresh eggs used for pickling will ensure the highest quality product. However, eggs that are a few days old will peel better after boiling.
  • The container used for pickled eggs should be able to close tightly. Glass canning jars work well. A quart-size canning jar will hold about one dozen medium-sized eggs.
  • Pickled eggs need to be hard-boiled and peeled prior to making the brine solution of vinegar, salt, spices, and other seasonings.
  • Pickled eggs MUST be always stored in the refrigerator.
  • The pickling solution must completely cover all hard-boiled eggs.
  • Once eggs have been combined with a pickling solution, a period of 1 to 3 weeks is required for seasoning to fully penetrate the eggs.
  • Use pickled eggs within 3 to 4 months for best quality.

Dark and Spicy Pickled Eggs

  • 1 ½ cups cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mixed pickling spice
  • ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke/hickory smoke salt
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Pack no more than 12 peeled, hard-cooked eggs into tight-sealing container.
  3. Bring all pickling ingredients to a boil, reduce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Pour hot pickling solution over eggs assuring all eggs are covered.
  5. Cover and refrigerate immediately.
  6. Use within 3 to 4 months.
  7. Always store in the refrigerator.
  8. Use a clean tool to remove eggs from the brine. Do not re-use the brine.

Additional pickling brine recipes are available from the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Sources:

  1. Pickled Eggs, National Center for Home Food Preservation

  2. Pickled Eggs, American Egg Board

This article was written in 2022 and has been peer-reviewed.

Feedback Form

Feedback Form

If you do not see the article, please scroll up the page.

Pickling Eggs (2024)

FAQs

How long should I pickle eggs before eating? ›

Add the eggs, make sure they are submerged (you can top them off with an additional 1-2 tablespoons water if you need to). Cover and chill overnight. The eggs will intensify in flavor and color the longer they are pickled. We suggest waiting at least 2-3 days before eating them.

How to make pickled eggs less rubbery? ›

And If the eggs sit in that liquid too long, you get rubbery eggs. There's a simple enough way to avoid this problem. You want the pickling liquid to do its job in the beginning, and then after the eggs have reached the proper degree of pickling, you can dilute the solution with some water.

Why are my pickled eggs tough? ›

There are a few reasons why the texture of your pickled eggs may be off. One problem may be you started with overcooked hard-boiled eggs. Another issue may be with the brining liquid itself. Leaving the eggs in a pickling liquid that's too strong will change their texture over time.

How many times can you reuse pickle juice to pickle eggs? ›

How many times can I reuse pickle juice? To be on the safe side, we wouldn't recommend reusing it more than once, although some say you can safely reuse it 2 or 3 times. Again, watch for changes in the clarity of the brine.

Do you refrigerate eggs while pickling? ›

Pickled eggs need to be hard-boiled and peeled prior to making the brine solution of vinegar, salt, spices, and other seasonings. Pickled eggs MUST be always stored in the refrigerator. The pickling solution must completely cover all hard-boiled eggs.

Are pickled eggs unhealthy? ›

Heavy metals in the eggs, especially the lead oxide once used in preserved eggs, pose a health risk to consumers, while the residual heavy metals in the pickling liquid can harm the environment if not properly disposed.

How do you prevent botulism in pickled eggs? ›

The CDC further cautions that to reduce the risk for botulism when pickling, food items should be washed and cooked adequately, and utensils, containers, and other surfaces in contact with food, including cutting boards and hands, should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Should I poke holes in my pickled eggs? ›

Danger: Some older recipes suggest using a toothpick to poke a deep hole in the boiled egg for better penetration of the pickling fluid. This has resulted in cases of (very unpleasant and/or fatal) botulism poisoning.

Do you leave the shell on when pickling eggs? ›

Gently tap the eggs on the work surface and peel off the shells. Put the boiled eggs in a sterilised jar where they all fit, about 1 litre, and pour over the cooled pickling liquid to cover. Seal and leave in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, or up to three months.

Can I use the same brine for pickled eggs? ›

Reusing Brine. Some of the fun of pickled eggs is that they can adopt all sorts of brine—even leftovers from other pickles.

Can homemade pickled eggs go bad? ›

In general, all pickled eggs can last up to four months in the refrigerator before experiencing decreased quality. Keep in mind that eggs may be safe to eat after that time, but they're not likely to be as tasty as when you first bought them.

Do pickled eggs need to be airtight? ›

The container used for the eggs should be one that can be closed or sealed tightly; glass canning jars work well. The eggs are to be completely covered with the pickling solution during storage. A quart-size canning jar will hold about one dozen medium sized eggs.

How long after making pickled eggs can you eat them? ›

How Long Before You Can Eat Pickled Eggs? Give the eggs at least 24 hours in the pickling brine before you eat one. That way, the flavors have time to penetrate the egg. A few days is even better.

Can you use store-bought pickle juice to make more pickles? ›

Leftover pickle juice is usually full of flavour, and includes all the flavourings that went into creating the original jar. The recycled pickle brine provides an opportunity to save vegetable odds and ends for up to a week, crisping them up and giving them a new lease of life.

Why don't pickle jars say pickles? ›

Olive all use the term on their websites, in advertisem*nts, and in the product descriptions of their pickle varieties. When asked why the word isn't on the front of the jars, all three companies provided nearly the same answer: They feel the word “pickle” isn't necessary on pickles packaged in clear glass containers.

How long do pickles need to set before eating? ›

Label and date your jars and store them in a clean, cool, dark, and dry place such as a pantry, cabinet, or basem*nt. Don't store in a warm spot! To allow pickles to mellow and develop a delicious flavor, wait at least 3 weeks before eating! Keep in mind that pickles may be ready to enjoy earlier.

How many pickled eggs can you eat a day? ›

How many pickled eggs should (can) I eat a day? So, we did some more digging, and found that eating one egg a day wasn't going to kill you; in fact, it may actually REDUCE heart disease. Other studies have shown no ill effects on people who have consumed up to 12 eggs a week!

Can we eat egg after pickle? ›

Don't consume eggs with pickled foods.

Why do people eat pickled eggs while drinking? ›

The point, then, was to offer some sustenance to counter co*cktails so patrons wouldn't get sloppily drunk, but the eggs were also there to make people thirsty enough to order more drinks.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated:

Views: 5713

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.